2015 Ford Fiesta 1.0L Petrol · SC15 YAD

A pattern of recurring electrical and exhaust faults dominates this Fiesta's MOT history, with the 2026 test cycle providing a clear example of the volatility. The vehicle was failed on 28 May 2026 with three major defects relating to a non-functioning rear fog lamp, a major exhaust gas leak, an out-of-specification lambda reading, and an inoperative nearside stop lamp, only to pass the following day with advisories for a cut offside front tyre, slightly worn rear axle bushes on both sides, and light oil misting on the offside rear shock absorber. This kind of day-to-day pass after failure is not unusual when the defects are relatively inexpensive to remediate, but it does indicate a vehicle whose emissions and lighting systems are operating near the margins. The 2025 test followed a similar trajectory, with the vehicle failing initially on exhaust lambda readings and headlamp issues before passing with advisories for oil leakage, corroded front suspension arms, slight play in the offside front track rod end ball joint, and worn rear swivel pins. The 2024 and 2023 tests reveal comparable electrical issues, particularly repeated failures or advisories relating to nearside and offside front headlamp dipped beam function in 2024 and 2023, alongside a tyre pressure monitoring system fault in 2024. Across all four test cycles, exhaust lambda readings outside the specified limits, front headlamp faults, and suspension component wear appear repeatedly, painting a picture of a car with chronic minor electrical gremlins and progressive mechanical degradation rather than a one-off issue. The recorded mileage of 54,287 miles across approximately eleven years equates to an annual accumulation rate of roughly 4,935 miles, which is notably low for a vehicle of this age and suggests either prolonged periods off the road or genuinely light usage. MOT records begin in 2023, meaning the vehicle's earlier mileage progression is not independently verified by testing, although the 54,287 figure is consistent with modest use. The relatively low annual mileage is mechanically relevant in several ways. Light use typically reduces wear on high-mileage components such as the clutch, brake friction material, and engine internals, but it can accelerate corrosion on suspension and brake components due to infrequent operation, longer standing periods, and exposure to moisture. This is consistent with the advisories recorded across all four tests, which consistently flag corrosion or wear on suspension arms, axle bushes, swivel pins, and brake components. Low mileage does not, however, excuse the recurring headlamp and emissions faults, as those systems deteriorate through age and component fatigue rather than purely through use, which suggests these issues are likely to recur regardless of how the next owner drives the vehicle. For a prospective buyer, the specific components flagged in the advisory history warrant targeted inspection. The 2025 advisories noted corrosion on both front suspension arms and slight play in the offside front track rod end ball joint; on a test drive, listen for clonking or knocking noises from the front suspension over uneven surfaces, particularly at low speed over speed bumps, and feel for any vagueness or slack in the steering, especially when turning into a parking space or rounding a corner. The rear suspension has consistently shown advisories for worn axle bushes and swivel pins in 2025 and 2026, so listen for similar noises from the rear axle over rough roads and check for any lateral movement of the rear wheels when the vehicle is rocked. The offside rear shock absorber has been flagged for light oil misting in both 2023 and 2026, which suggests progressive seal degradation; during the test drive, pay particular attention to damping behaviour over undulating surfaces and during emergency stops, as compromised rear shocks can allow the rear to bounce excessively. Brake components have also been flagged repeatedly, with front brake discs noted as worn, pitted, or scored in 2023 and 2024, and front brake pipes flagged for corrosion in 2024; check for any juddering through the steering wheel or brake pedal under firm braking, and inspect the visible brake pipes for surface rust or active corrosion, particularly around flex points and mounting brackets. The electrical and emissions faults are perhaps the most predictable area of concern going forward. Headlamp dipped beam failures have appeared on both sides in 2023 and 2024 and on the nearside in 2025, which strongly suggests an underlying issue with the headlamp bulbs, connectors, or wiring that has not been permanently resolved. Exhaust lambda readings outside specified limits in 2025 and 2026 point to either a failing lambda sensor, an exhaust leak allowing air ingress, or an engine management issue affecting the air-fuel mixture; given the major exhaust gas leak also recorded in 2026, the most likely explanation is physical exhaust degradation. On a test drive, observe the exhaust note for any ticking, hissing, or irregular rumbling that would indicate a leak, and note whether the engine management warning light is illuminated on the dashboard. The oil leak advisories recorded in 2024 and 2025 suggest an ongoing minor oil weep that has not yet become excessive but warrants visual inspection of the engine and underbonnet for residue, and a check of the oil level on the dipstick. Finally, the front tyre cut noted in 2026 and the nearside front coil spring mounting damage flagged in 2024 mean a close visual inspection of all four tyres for cuts, bulges, or uneven wear is essential, alongside a check of the front spring seats for any visible cracking or movement.